Friends of Shimoni Forest (FSF)

Time for introductions and greetings! FSF are one of the CBOs (Community Based Organizations) of Shimoni, and one of GVI’s partners. And I have the privilege of being working very closely with them! But let’s see what this association is all about.

FSF work with the aim of preserve the Shimoni Forest. OK, I know it was pretty obvious after reading their name, but let’s move on. The forest is already very disturbed, and is isolated of the rest of coastal forests in the Kenyan coast. However, it hosts a huge biodiversity, and sustains the livelihoods of people in Shimoni and neighboring villages, who obtain from it charcoal, wood for construction and furniture and plants which are used for their healing properties (traditional medicines). Moreover, it also provides other services, like water and air purification and other ecosystem services.

However, the forest is endangered by an unsustainable use of resources. Irresponsible charcoal production, logging for timber (very often done by people from upcountry, which obtain from it a benefit the local community never sees) and urban development has alarmingly reduced the surface of the forest, which is so important for the locals. Even if sometimes they are not aware of it. The fact that the land is owned by government officials who live far from here and own the land due to obscure reasons, and hence can sell it at any point without any previous warning to not very scrupulous resort projects, really doesn’t help.

But FSF are perfectly aware. And they have taken a lot of initiatives in order to preserve their forest. The most remarkable one is the creation of a tourist trail that goes through the forest, visiting the most remarkable sites (including the mangroves and the kayas, or traditional sacred places). They account with a team of 3 trained guides which bring the tourists through the forest, teaching them about the animals, the plants and their traditional uses and the local culture. They also sell T-shirts and polo shirts.

And what do they do with the benefits of the trail and the merchandising? They re-invest it in the local community, giving scholarships to kids that want to continue their studies through secondary education and buying medicines for the local dispensary. They also organize a lot of awareness-raising events.

Can’t wait to start working more closely with them!